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Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

🍲 Slow-Cooked Beef Goulash

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Goulash:
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds optional
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups diced potatoes or egg noodles optional, add last hour of cooking
  • 1 bell pepper chopped (optional)
For Garnish:
  • Chopped fresh parsley or sour cream

Method
 

  1. Prep the Ingredients:
  2. Season beef cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
  4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear beef cubes until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor.
  5. Combine in Slow Cooker:
  6. Add beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, thyme, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  7. Cook:
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
  9. Add Vegetables:
  10. About 1 hour before serving, add diced potatoes or egg noodles and bell pepper if desired.
  11. Serve:
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm with bread or over noodles.

Notes

Thicker Goulash: Mix 1–2 tbsp cornstarch with a little water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Flavor Boost: A splash of red wine during the browning step deepens flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth.
Make Ahead: Goulash tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.